After reimagining the train, architect Maxime d’Angeac is taking on a new challenge with Accor: Orient Express has decided to expand the horizons of its legend. While the land has already been conquered by its train, the sea now opens up to the Corinthian, the brand’s first-ever sailing yacht.
Measuring 220 meters (722 feet) from bow to stern, weighing 16,000 tons, and featuring three masts reaching 100 meters high, the Orient Express Corinthian capable of hosting 110 privileged guests becomes the largest sailing cruise ship in the world. Inaugurated in late April 2026 at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire after two years of work and the expertise of hundreds of specialized trades, this 100% French technological feat is a true showcase of exceptional craftsmanship.
The interior spaces are designed around harmonious volumes and exceptional materials, selected for both their longevity and their sensory richness. The Art Deco-inspired design imagined by Maxime d’Angeac strikes a subtle balance: it pays tribute to a prestigious maritime heritage without ever feeling nostalgic. The distinctive luxury of the Orient Express reveals itself progressively through meticulous craftsmanship that guests will delight in discovering throughout their stay. The fifty-four suites, designed as true private apartments, offer an immediate sense of serenity thanks to their high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that seamlessly blend the interior space with the horizon.
Under the visionary eye of the Creative Director, our Lyon-based teams had the privilege of creating the ship’s extensive seating: sofas, benches, chairs, armchairs, and daybeds. Each piece was upholstered and finished by combining absolute comfort with the requirements of a true floating palace. Furthermore, the seating features the technical protection of the Dufelt barrier, a specific component guaranteeing high fire resistance. “Seeing our signature on the Orient Express is a source of great pride; working on a project like this is a dream, and perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our workshops,” shared Romain Jouffre in an interview with TF1.
The ship will depart the Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire in early May to reach the French Riviera and begin its inaugural season in the Mediterranean. Expect to pay approximately €3,000 if you wish to enjoy a night aboard this floating jewel.